[Article] Accessibility is the Key to Unlocking Age-Friendly Communities

Most people are unaware of the need for accessibility until it touches them personally. In Canada, where 1 in 4 individuals have a disability and 47% of adults have a relationship with someone who does, the need is glaringly evident. Factor in the rapidly aging demographic, and the need is not just evident but urgent.

Disability can naturally accompany the aging process, with many older people encountering challenges such as hearing and vision loss, reduced mobility, and health issues such as rheumatism and arthritis, hindering their full engagement in their communities. While the onset of age-related disabilities can often be unavoidable, addressing barriers to accessibility is not.

By 2035, Canada is projected to become a ‘super-aged’ nation with 1 in 4 Canadians surpassing 65. Everyone will notice this effect as this population shift will exert significant pressure on health care, social systems, the labour force, and the housing market. The sustainability of these components hinges on a built environment that ensures our older population’s continued access.

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